At a Glance
- Gavin Newsom leads the 2028 Democratic field, tied with Kamala Harris in recent polls.
- A string of special election wins and Trump’s low approval help the party rebound.
- Several governors and senators are emerging as potential 2028 contenders.
- Why it matters: The race to the 2028 Democratic nomination is heating up, with key figures already shaping the field.
After a rough 2024, Democrats are regaining momentum with special election wins and Trump’s low approval. The Hill has released its first ranking of the top 2028 hopefuls, spotlighting governors, senators, and national figures.
Top 2028 Democratic Hopefuls
The Hill’s first ranking lists the most prominent figures in the field.
- Gavin Newsom: front-runner, tied with Harris in 15 recent polls, 100,000 new contributors. He mocked Trump and passed a redistricting plan that favors Democrats.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: popular with young voters, double-digit lead in Yale Youth Poll, 2 points over Vance. She toured with Senator Bernie Sanders on the “Fighting Oligarchy Tour.”
- Kamala Harris: 2024 nominee, tops early 2028 polls, toured South Carolina and met with the DNC. She has said she could “possibly” still be president one day.
- Josh Shapiro: 60% job approval, 10-point lead over Vance in an October Quinnipiac poll. He won 2022 governor race by double digits and faces reelection in 2026.
- Andy Beshear: popular in Kentucky, led the DGA, won 2019 and 2023 governorships. He hosts a podcast and travels to meet party operatives.
- JB Pritzker: billionaire, responded to Trump with “Come and get me,” and fought federalization of the National Guard. He is eyeing 2026 reelection and a possible 2028 run.
- Pete Buttigieg: former Transportation Secretary, third in early 2028 polls, focuses on communication. He declined a Senate run in Michigan.
- Gretchen Whitmer: term-limited governor, focuses on Michigan, says she wants a hand in writing the next chapter. She is a key swing-state figure.
- Cory Booker: long Senate speech record, said 2028 is on the table, and is a top pick in a YouGov poll. He is a prominent New Jersey senator.
JB Pritzker stated:
> “Come and get me.”
Kamala Harris said:
> “very much stuck in the past.”
Gretchen Whitmer said:
> “I don’t know if I need to be the main character in the next chapter, but I want to have a hand in writing it, and I think I’ve got an important vista point as the governor of an important swing state,”
Key Insights
| Candidate | Poll Position | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gavin Newsom | Neck and neck with Harris | Mocked Trump, passed redistricting plan |
| Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | Double-digit lead in Yale Youth Poll | “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” |
| Kamala Harris | Top early 2028 polls | Book tour, DNC comments |
| Josh Shapiro | 60% approval, 10-point lead over Vance | Won 2022, 2026 reelection |
| Andy Beshear | Popular in Kentucky | Leading DGA, podcast |
| JB Pritzker | Responded to Trump, “Come and get me” | Redistricting, 2026 reelection |
| Pete Buttigieg | Third in early polls | Former Transportation Secretary |
| Gretchen Whitmer | Term-limited, Michigan focus | Quote about writing next chapter |
| Cory Booker | Long Senate speech, 2028 on table | New Jersey senator |
The table summarizes key poll positions and recent actions of the main 2028 hopefuls, highlighting how diverse the field is and the strategic moves each candidate has made.
Key Takeaways
- Gavin Newsom leads the field, tied with Harris in recent polls.
- A mix of governors and senators are positioning for 2028, reflecting a rebounding Democratic Party.
- Quotes from candidates show a mix of ambition and caution amid the party’s resurgence.
As the 2028 race heats up, the Democratic Party’s future leaders are already carving their paths, setting the stage for the next presidential contest.
